This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on families experiencing domestic violence, including the complex dynamics within families, how neighbors and professionals can help, and resources available for survivors. Panelists included Teshanna Brown, Director of Domestic Violence Services for Center for Women and Families; Arlene Grullon, Director of Emergency Shelter for Center for Women and Families; Olivia Spradlin, Senior Program Specialist with Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss child abuse prevention, including the TEN-4 bruising rule, and how the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism are impacting family safety and dynamics. Panelists include Dr. Mary Clyde Pierce, Professor of Emergency Medicine Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and co-creator of the TEN-4 Bruising Rule; Dr. Melissa Currie, Medical Director and Chief of the Kosair Charities Division [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss recent state enacted child care changes and the impact on families and providers. Panelists included Dr. Sarah Vanover, Director of the Kentucky Division of Child Care; June Widman, executive director, Appalachian Early Childhood Network; and Dawn Thompson, Assistant Director, and Kathy King, special projects manager, of Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C). Learn more about the recent child care updates and TAKE ACTION by telling your [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we discuss kinship care in Kentucky amidst COVID-19, the important role of support groups, and what advocates can do to stand up for kinship families. We also presented a new handbook for relative caregivers to use as a resource as they navigate caring for vulnerable children and understanding the complex child welfare system. Panelists include Mary Jo Dendy, Family Resource Center Coordinator with Fayette County Public Schools; [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum we discuss the trauma of the dual pandemics--COVID-19 and racial inequities--for kids and families and what schools and community organizations can do to create supportive environments that can help build resiliency. Panelists include Dr. Kish Cumi Price, Director of Education Policy and Programming at Louisville Urban League; Raine Minichan, Interim Coordinator of Mental Health Services & Guidance Counseling with Fayette County Public Schools; and Ebony O'Rea, Trainer [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum, we are joined by Chair of the U.S. House Budget Committee, Representative John Yarmuth, for a continued discussion around pending COVID-19 relief packages and more. View our COVID-19 Action Hub to take action on federal priorities for Kentucky kids and families. Review a comparison of provisions that support young children, their families, and child care providers in enacted legislation in response to COVID-19, as well as relevant [...]

This week on our Advocate Virtual Forum we continue our discussions about priorities for kids and families as Congress debates the next federal COVID-19 relief package, including the U.S. House of Representatives' HEROES Act and the U.S. Senate's HEALS Act. To localize those ongoing federal conversations, we heard from several Kentucky leaders and advocates, including: Lisa Lee, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Medicaid; Mandy Simpson, Director of Public Policy for Metro United Way; [...]